After six years, Mario Kart DS's gameplay is still a force to be reckoned with.
thanks to the technology of the DS, you can play Mario Kart DS via dualscreen. the bottom map is used to look at the map of the field. You could actually look at this the whole time! It helps to look at it especially during Blooper attacks.
Gameplay speaking, Mario Kart DS will keep you playing it. It's extremely fun to drift in the game, which allows you a small speed boost. the courses are excellent too, from the fantastic falls of Yoshi Falls, to the Walking trees of Luigi's Mansion, and to the amazingly ominous setting in Bowser's Castle. the items are easy to use and never feel cheap (except for the blue shell obviously). My favorite stage is Waluigi's Pinball. You race in the middle of a pinball table, which is extremely original!
the new mission mode is also a good time killer. Similar to Diddy Kong Racing, your goal is to do all these crazy things to get stars. Some include going reverse, collecting coins, and beating bosses, and it's very well designed and fun.
the multiplayer is as good as it gets. You get DS download or go online, and both ways are fantastic (and free). Battle Mode isn't quite as fun, but it's no showstopper. this is a great multiplayer game.
Graphically, the game has aspects that look good, and aspects that haven't held up. the background scenery is fantastic and the animation is very smooth, but the racers are angular, and some parts look ugly. the trees in Delfino Plaza look bland as can be, the Clock track is really boring, and the map screen is choppy as hell. I love the dark sunset of Bowser's Castle though (as well as its music), and the snow stage is a visual treat as well. the music is decent, but not exceptional.
Despite graphical faults, after six years, Mario Kart DS's gameplay is still a force to be reckoned with. the controls are excellent, the stages are spectacular, and the excellent multiplayer will keep you coming back for more. Its games like this that really make me root for Nintendo, and anyone who hates this game probably hasn't even touched it.
Gameplay: 10/10- terrific controls and extremely fun and addictive gameplay. Drifting is great!
Graphics: 6/10- A mixed bag
Sound: 7/10: Surprisingly average
Value: 10/10: You cannot miss out on this fantastic racing game. Still as fun as it was in 2005.
Final Score: 9.4/10 (A)